They’re the most sought-after scarves on the planet, with a long list of celebrity fans. From headbands to slings, and every way in between, here’s how to wear the iconic Hermès scarf.
When it comes to beloved fashion accessories, few are as lusted after as the Hermès scarf. While there are about 20 different sizes, the 90cm by 90cm silky squares – or carrés, in French – are the most well-known. It’s the combination of quality craftsmanship and beautiful design that makes them a go-to piece for anyone, of any age, with a fondness for elegant, timeless beauty.
Since its humble beginnings in 1937, the House of Hermès scarves have attracted rich and famous members of high society, from late Hollywood movie stars to Queen Elizabeth II. More recently, there’s been a wave of fandom from pop icons such as Madonna and Rihanna.
Examine one up close and you’ll soon see why: they are traditionally crafted using the finest screen-printing techniques, with some of the world’s most talented designers creating not just scarves but works of art – colourful and decorative scenes of flora, fauna, history, and culture.
Over the years, over 2,000 patterns have been created by over 150 designers, every single one meticulously hand-rolled, stitched and sewn to perfection – a process that can take up to 18 months. The result? Works of wearable art that double as a sophisticated fashion statement and a smart investment, making it the ultimate forever scarf.
So, you have one in your hands, but how do you style them? The simplest outfit can be transformed with a Hermès scarf, with an injection of colour and pattern. A little black dress with a riot of colour, a classic, crisp white shirt with jeans. Here, we take a closer look at the scarves’ fans, from royalty to movie stars and first ladies, allowing you to take your style inspiration from the women in history who wore them best.
Also read: Why Hermès scarves are still the ultimate symbol of style
Equestrian chic: Queen Elizabeth II
House of Hermès may be known today as one of the most famous fashion institutions, but the brand had more humble beginnings when it started back in 1937 as a saddler and horse harness maker. This is part of the reason that Queen Elizabeth II became so dedicated to the fashion house: the late British monarch was an avid equestrian. She was often seen riding horseback through Windsor Great Park with a Hermès scarf draped over her hair in a triangle and neatly tied beneath her chin – a style that’s been adopted by many celebrities, past and present, since.
Her favorite design? The Brides de Gala, of course. It was created in 1957 by Robert Dumas who worked with Hugo Grygkar. He placed two horse bridles on the floor and loved the simplicity of the composition – and the respectful nod it gave the brand’s beginnings.
The Queen was such a fan that she was regularly pictured wearing the scarves, most famously in her portrait for a British postage stamp in 1956. In response, in 1972 Leila Menchari designed ‘The Regina’ for Hermès, which was inspired by the Queen of England and features a beautiful floral bouquet. Further proof – if it were needed – that the Queen adored the scarves was her horse at her funeral, with its saddle draped in one of her Hermès scarves.
The world’s most beautiful sling: Grace Kelly
You may buy a scarf for its look or its feel on the skin, but for its strength? Well, that’s another quality that Hermès is known for. Originally the scarves were made from imported Chinese silk, creating a fabric so strong that movie star Grace Kelly, also known as Princess Grace of Monaco, chose to use the scarf as the world’s most beautiful sling when she broke her arm. The scarf was folded in half, with the long edge around her forearm and the rest tied around her neck.
Today, the fashion house has its own silkworm plantation in Brazil; over 300 Mulberry moth cocoons are needed for the 450,000 meters of silk yarn used in each individual scarf. According to Fleur Feijen, senior fashion expert at Catawiki, the Brazilian silk – while still high quality– isn’t as strong as the original Chinese alternative. “But,” she adds, “assuming you’ll only use the scarf as an accessory, you don't have to worry about tearing the fabric."
While the sling was obviously temporary, Grace Kelly was also a big fan of Hermès bags – she catapulted the ‘Kelly’ bag, as it’s now known, to fame when she was pictured with it on set in 1956. For a Kelly-inspired look without opting for a sling, try tying your Hermès scarf around your Kelly bag handle.
Also read: 10 facts about the Hermes Kelly Bag that may surprise you
Fashionable and functional: inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Catherine Deneuve
While Queen Elizabeth II’s headscarf style sits at the more formal end of the scale, many Hollywood icons have opted for a similar look over the past eight decades – one that feels more fashionable than functional. Not only does this look effortlessly elegant, but it also protects the hair without ruining the hairdo.
French actress Catherine Deneuve was an avid collector of Hermès scarves. She was often photographed wearing the Brides de Gala print over her hair and tucked beneath the collar of her coat (a picture at JFK airport in 1961 is one of the most famous photos).
Audrey Hepburn, the iconic star of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady, opted for a more casual headscarf look, with the silk ends trailing down her back in a V.
Meanwhile, former first lady to the US, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, was frequently pictured pairing Hermès with a pair of oversized sunglasses, when out on a yacht – because is there any more stylish way to protect your hair from the wind and sun?
Many ways to style
The simplicity of a statement neck scarf: Sophia Loren
It’s how the scarf was – perhaps – originally intended: a beautiful statement of colour and pattern worn around the neck. Knotted in front, with the rest of the silk cascading down the front, is how Italian actress Sophia Loren often chose to wear hers. The effortless and timeless look was paired with red lipstick and black eyeliner on her top lids. And the scarf of choice? It was often an emerald Green Brides de Gala, with a block navy shirt beneath.
A neckerchief or shawl: Romy Schneider
French-German actress Romy Schneider was known for her effortless elegant fashion sense as much as her films. The actress, who had an early-career surge in popularity thanks to her role as Empress Elisabeth of Austria in Sissi, was also a huge fan of Hermès, opting for a classic neckerchief look worn with simple tops and trousers. Often, she would fold the scarf in half and drape it around the shoulders, allowing a fuller appreciation of the scarf’s colour and design.
Halter tops, bikinis, bandanas and baseball caps: the Hollywood stars of today
It’s not just fashion icons of the past who remain loyal to Hermès scarves. The stars of today do too. From actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker and Anne Hathway to singers like Madonna (who’s worn the scarf as a top) and Rihanna, who has worn hers as a bikini top and over the top of her baseball cap. Meanwhile, French actress and icon of the 60s Brigitte Bardot used to wear hers as a bandana or headband (displaying a thin band of fabric, with a knot under her neck) and still rocks a Hermès headscarf today.
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